Jay,
 
Being a R22 owner, I don't spend much time keeping track of other  
manufacturer's boats. However, this discussion with you got me looking. The  Hunter 27 
doesn't list it's weight, but it's displacement is around 7,600  pounds. My 
guess is that you would need a Cummins diesel to tow it. The  Hunter 26 weights 
in around 4,650 pounds. They mention a mast crutch for  trailering, but don't 
list a trailer as either optional or standard equipment.  Then there's the 
issue of raising and lowering the mast. No mast crane is listed  as either 
optional or standard equipment on their site. Inner mast furling? One  of the biggest 
advantages of the R22 is being able to single hand it in any  
conditions.(Most people will only sail with me once, so I single hand a  lot)
Next I went to the Macgregor 26 site. They have a new and improved 26M  which 
they are currently producing. It kind of caught my eye after reading about  
the changes in hull design which effects sailing hull speed and stability.  
Sounds like they are going in the right direction. Then I went to their pricing  
section and started building a boat. All I would gain would be four feet in  
length with the same equipment. The price came to over $36,000.00. I haven't  
seen a Mac that was worth half of that, even when new. This is not a boat I  
would consider. The positive flotation in the Rhodes takes away a lot of  
otherwise usable space, but the peace of mind in sailing out into the ocean it  can 
bring is worth a lot. You don't have to go to Edenton to see a R22, we have  
owners all over the country. Perhaps someone in your area would be willing to 
do  a show and sail with you.
 
Rummy